September 11, 2020
Dear Industry Partner,
As we move into the fall season, the global tourism industry continues to be significantly impacted by the COVID pandemic. In Nova Scotia, operators are relying on the regional market for support and continue to adapt their experiences and products to meet new protocols. TIANS has continued to advocate for more robust and accessible supports for Tourism operators from both the provincial and federal governments. Recent announcements around the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) and the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) will extend current supports. TIANS is also joining our national partners from the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada in a broad campaign to extend the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program for tourism operators through to the end of March 2021.
As we look at ways to extend the season or increase mid-week business, TIANS has launched TIANS Cares, a program for TIANS members to market specials or unique packages targeted at first responders, health and front line workers. TIANS Cares is a tangible way for the tourism industry to demonstrate their gratitude for those who continue to step up for all of us during these challenging times. Once populated, the platform will be promoted to visitors from within the Atlantic bubble through social media and direct outreach. Email tianscares@tourism.ca today to receive your member access and feature your own special offer on the site.
TIANS continues to hear of growing concerns around access to affordable insurance coverage – please take a few moments to complete our current survey focused on this important issue.
We encourage you to continue to visit TOURISMSTRONG.CA as we strive to inform and support you and your business. Our Facebook discussion group also provides an opportunity for tourism operators to share ideas and stay updated on tools and supports.
Stay Tourism Strong.
The TIANS Team
Front-line workers are the heroes of our time. TIANS is recognizing their heroic efforts by giving back. We're calling on businesses to be part of TIANS Cares, by offering a creative way to say thank you.
SURVEY
Reminder: Tourism Commercial Insurance Coverage Survey
TIANS has been hearing increased concern from Industry around commercial insurance coverage and cost.
A number of operators have been advised their coverage is being reduced, premiums are increasing, and in some cases, policies are being discontinued.
Have you been affected? Let us know.
Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program (CECRA)
This week, the Federal Government announced an extension of the CECRA Commercial Rent Assistance Program for an additional month. They identify this is the final month of extension for the program which has already supported over $1.3 billion in rent relief.
Details on the September extension is available on the CMHC website.
Canada United Small Business Relief Fund
Financial support to help small Canadian businesses with their recovery efforts as a result of COVID-19.
If awarded, a relief grant can be used for any of the following activities:
- Purchasing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as masks, face shields, and latex gloves.
- Renovating physical space to adhere to local, Provincial or Federal reopening guidelines.
- Developing or improving e-commerce capabilities for your business.
Successful applicants will receive a relief grant of up to $5,000.
Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) Extended
The Department of Finance Canada announced the extension of the application deadline for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) to October 31, 2020.
The Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) is extended to June 2021. Through BCAP, the government is supporting the flow of additional credit that businesses need to maintain operations and keep employees on the payroll.
CEBA and BCAP are both part of the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan.
MEMBER NEWS & HIGHLIGHTS
Podcast: Innovation in the Wake of COVID-19
Episode 6:
Deep Sky Eye Observatory
Our recent podcast series features Tim Doucette, Creator and Owner of the Deep Sky Eye Observatory and 2019 Crystal Tourism Award Recipient.
Launch: Coastal Resort Collection
of Nova Scotia
Congratulations to the member properties of the newly formed Coastal Resort Collection of Nova Scotia: Pictou Lodge Beach Resort, Digby Pines Golf Resort & Spa, Fox Harb'r Resort, Inverary Resort, Oceanstone Seaside Resort, and White Point Beach Resort.
This new partnership has been formed between six independent Nova Scotia resort properties to leverage marketing resources and provide visitors with a collection of high quality unique seaside experiences.
Recovery by the Numbers: What to Expect in the Lodging Industry
September 15 | 10 AM
The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically impacted the global economy, and one of the hardest-hit sectors is the travel industry. Nearly every aspect of the industry – from supply/demand dynamics to pricing and key markets – has been affected. How and when the lodging industry will recover remains very much unknown, but there are already some promising signs that things are bouncing back.
Disciplining Employees for Safety Violations in the COVID-19 Era
September 16 | 1 PM
Join Adrian Miedema, occupational health and safety and employment lawyer with Dentons Canada LLP for this informative webinar focused on handling workplace safety violations during the pandemic. Adrian is one of Canada’s leading lawyers in the area of Labour and Employment Law. He has significant trial experience, successfully defending companies and supervisors in Occupational Health and Safety Act charges.
Sea of Change – Finding and Keeping Talent from Nova Scotia and Abroad
September 16 | 9:30 AM
Join the Halifax Partnership, Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) and Nova Scotia Works (Opportunity Place) to discover how to enhance intercultural skills, create a welcoming workplace, and access resources to increase your business success in Nova Scotia.
TIANS and our partners are hosting a series of specialized free webinars to tackle the challenges faced by small COVID-19. These webinars are geared at equipping businesses with the skills and knowledge they need to survive the new realities of our COVID economy.
View all upcoming and recorded webinars
